10 PERFECTLY TIMED SPORTS PHOTOS

When you're engaged in your favorite sporting event, there is a chance you're missing out on moments that could break the internet. Thanks to photographers and burst photography, worrying about missing out on these incredible instances is a thing of the past. In this sport-themed Archive, we're looking at the 10 perfectly timed sports photos that honor still photography in the best ways and give us all something to marvel, and sometimes laugh at.

Zombies in the Stands

Call us a little obsessed by new horror trends, but there's only one thing we can think of in this snapshot of Florida State guard, Luke Loucks; and in our minds, poor Luke was overrun by these rabid fans and torn to pieces immediately after. Though Luke probably survived the game and our scenario is far more fantastical than we had hoped, we can take a moment to marvel at the likely-unintended coordination between fans and the photographer that produced this great still.

The Flight of Rodman

There are two great things happening in this perfectly timed snapshot. The first, obviously, is the flying Dennis Rodman in the foreground. You can't deny his dedication to the game as you absolutely know his landing is going to hurt. The second astounding part of this photo is every disinterested look that's glaring in Rodman's direction, as if he only deserves the applause or accolades that should follow a great leap if he saves the ball. It's okay, Rodman, we're impressed.

Point of Impact

For anyone that has the idea that UFC fights are fake, this picture is here to set a few things straight. You know that Mark Munoz felt that kick long after the fight. He may even still have an indention left over from the 2011 bout. With this snapshot, we also get a good indication of just how elastic and pliable skin really is. This picture is definitely a great representation of why burst photography should be used while photographing action shots, especially sporting events.

Dance-Off

Things took a very odd turn during a high-energy volleyball match when two of the players launched into a limber dance number. Okay, okay… we know it's not actually volleyball but rather the Southeast Asian version known as Sepak takraw. That doesn't stop this picture from being an amazing entry, especially if you look at it as a volleyball match. Looking more like ballerinas than athletes in this perfectly timed shot, we can't wait for the follow-up when they throw in a little Swan Lake choreography.

Ballet Tryouts

It's strange that New York Knicks shooting guard and small forward J.R. Smith chose right in the middle of a game to practice his ballet moves, but we're sure glad a photographer was on point and prepared to snag this adorable shot. It's pretty easy to determine that Smith's flamboyant jump was all for show, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable to stumble across while browsing the interwebs. Kudos to this photographer for being ready for a great snapshot in basketball history.

Getting Doused

Anyone that's watched any major sporting event has probably witnessed the ceremonial dumping of the Gatorade onto the coach or star player. What you probably haven't had the pleasure of glimpsing is the exact moment that one's uniform is about to go from uncomfortably sweaty to completely drenched and sticky. The intended target of the waterfall of Gatorade, assumed Oakland Athletes' Coco Crisp, looks like he was already on the receiving end of a celebratory pie in the face. That begs the question: Which would you prefer - pie or Gatorade?

Sandy Long Jump

A rough fall after what looks like a long jump attempt led to this incredibly well-timed snapshot. The impact of the fall is so beautifully captured with a wave of sand, the clarity of the picture allowing viewers to see every grain that was disturbed by the jumper’s bumpy landing. While it may not have been the most graceful of landings, it has made for one quality snapshot in the world of sports.

Cartwheels Across the Finish Line

A rough fall after what looks like a long jump attempt led to this incredibly well-timed snapshot. The impact of the fall is so beautifully captured with a wave of sand, the clarity of the picture allowing viewers to see every grain that was disturbed by the jumper’s bumpy landing. While it may not have been the most graceful of landings, it has made for one quality snapshot in the world of sports.

Breaching the Surface

Like a shark breaking through the surface right before snagging a snack, this Olympic swimmer looks like he's encased in a protective bubble. In reality, of course, it's just the impressive handy-work of a camera-person that knows exactly where to point the lens. There is an unnatural quality to this unbelievable still that makes it look almost alien in nature, and that… is kind of weirding us out. So, we're just gonna to move on…

Epic Baseball Fight

We’re not sure what you see when you get lost in this epic baseball photograph, but we see two teams locked in a heated battle to the death! In an epic finale, #18 gives a futile effort to stave off #9's devastating ground pound. Will #18's upward side-kick do the trick, or is he about to get a face full of white rubber and yarn? We have to assume the photographer that was able to snag this shot was mighty pleased with himself that day.